Dog attacks

The information below is to assist you if you are involved in a dog attack - which includes being aggressed by a dog. To gain a better understanding of the legislation refer to the Companion Animals Act (new window)

Contact Council with details including:

Date, time and location of the attack

Description of the dog e.g. colour, breed, size

Details of the dog's owner, if possible

If victims and/or witnesses are prepared to provide sufficient evidence of the incident, can identify the dog or determine where it came from, a ranger may then be able to identify persons in charge of the animal and legal action may be taken. The following attachment will help guide you through the information required for further action to proceed. Dog Attack Witness Statement(PDF 330kb).

Please contact the Police if the attack occurs after hours. Police have the same powers to act under the Companion Animals Act as Council Rangers.

Stray, roaming and nuisance dogs

If a dog turns up at your house or follows you home, please contact Ranger Services and we will have an animal management officer attend your premises and scan the animal for a microchip. If the owner can be located the animal will be returned home. If there is no identification the animal will be taken to the Shoalhaven Animal Shelter.

Alternatively, you can take the animal to the Animal Shelter located at West Nowra. It is recognised as the central point for collection of stray or abandoned animals in the Shoalhaven and provides the best chance for a dog or cat to be reunited with his/her owner. It is an offence under the Companion Animals Act to keep an animal that does not belong to you.

If there is a dog roaming around the street in your area please contact Ranger Services and provide details including:

The location of the dog

A full description of the dog, e.g. colour, breed, size

The identity and address of the owner of the dog, if possible

If we identify the owner of the dog, action can be taken in accordance with the Companion Animals Act. If we cannot find the dog or its owner, we suggest you contact us the next time you see the dog with as much information as possible.

If you believe that a dog is a nuisance please refer to the Companion Animals Act for the definition of a Nuisance Dog.

Livestock on public land

If livestock such as cows, sheep, pigs or goats are out on the road contact Ranger Services as soon as possible.

If your neighbour's livestock is entering your property this is a civil matter between you and your neighbour. For advice contact the Local Land Services (new window)

Keeping of poultry, fowl and birds

The keeping of roosters in residential areas is discouraged as their crowing usually causes offensive noise and can cause neighbourhood disputes. the following brochures provide guidelines on keeping poultry and birds: